New DOJ Civil Division head directs staff to focus on conservative priorities
The Department of Justice’s Civil Division has a new leader who wasted no time in setting a conservative agenda for the division. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, who was recently confirmed by the Senate, sent out a memo directing staff to focus on priorities such as combating antisemitism, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as tightening restrictions on transgender medical care and denaturalizing citizens who obtained naturalization illegally.
Shumate’s memo, obtained by Fox News Digital, also highlighted the division’s role in defending the government in non-criminal matters. This includes representing President Donald Trump and his administration in various court battles, including those related to tariffs, birthright citizenship, and the use of the National Guard in California.
With a background as a Trump loyalist and former partner at a law firm that represented Trump, Shumate’s confirmation was seen as a win for the conservative agenda. His memo aligns with the priorities of President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, signaling a shift in focus for the Civil Division.
One of the notable directives in the memo is the collaboration between the Civil Division and the Civil Rights Division on anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Trump has been critical of DEI initiatives, labeling them as discriminatory. Shumate emphasized the division’s commitment to combatting unlawful discriminatory practices in the private sector through affirmative litigation.
As the new head of the Civil Division, Shumate is expected to lead the division in pursuing these conservative priorities and defending the government in legal matters. This development is still unfolding, and further details are expected to emerge. For the latest updates on this story, stay tuned.
Ashley Oliver, a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, covers the Justice Department and legal affairs. For story tips or inquiries, you can reach out to Ashley Oliver at ashley.oliver@fox.com.
